Drew Barrymore is the perpetual little girl. Never mind that she's now 35 years old (really?), and a genuine, honest-to-god filmmaker (last year's "Whip It" marked her directorial debut), Barrymore remains the effervescent, always moving, brightly focused child.

And yet, she's not immature or unwise. The woman has seen and done much in her eventful, drama-and work-filled life, and she's savvy. Which makes her just the right touch for her reported newest project -- a "Wizard of Oz" sequel. Titled "Surrender Dorothy," Barrymore has been attached to the script (written by Zach Helm, who also penned "Stranger than Fiction"), in a story that involves the great, great granddaughter of, you guessed it, Dorothy, the girl/woman who so famously followed the yellow brick road during an incredibly vivid dream.

She's also, of course, starring in the latest romantic comedy, "Going the Distance" with her on again off again real life boyfriend, actor Justin Long. No drama here, just work.

With that, I'm looking at five of Barrymore best. Starting with:

"E.T. The Extra Terrestrial" (1982)

Is this Barrymore's most iconic role? It's certainly her most acclaimed movie, and the one in which most of us first discovered the charm of Drew Barrymore. As young Gertie, the little sister to Henry Thomas's Elliot, the boy who takes in the stray Extra Terrestrial, she famously screams upon meeting the wrinkly little creature from outer space. And that's just one of her adorable traits. She's consistently engaging, funny and touching interacting with her older brothers, her mom and of course, E.T., whom she comes to love as part of her family. Directed by Steven Spielberg, "E.T." is a family classic -- a poignant story about love, bravery and both the delights and challenges of childhood. Barrymore's charm and ease in front of the camera left a lasing impression and she became an enormous child star after this movie. So naturally, part of the picture's message, the aforementioned delights and challenges of childhood resonated with Drew, as we watched the actress grow up, on and off the screen.

Read the rest of the list after the jump:

 

Here's the newest poster for "Black Swan" -- the intense psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, directed by Darren Aronofsky. 

The film opens December 1, but the review buzz has been interesting. Raves, confusions and some pans, all making me want to see the picture even more. But after a showing at Venice the other day, it's already being hailed as a potential major award winner -- not just at that festival but everywhere. An Oscar for Portman might be in the cards.

Aronofsky, who directed “Requiem for a Dream” and the acclaimed, beloved “The Wrestler,” appears to be mixing his penchant for psychological freak-out and obsession with art and athleticism via ballet. It looks both beautiful and horrifying -- even in the trailer - that of a ballerina (Portman) who is so worried by a younger dancer (Kunis), that she loses her mind.
 
Watch the trailer after the jump:

 

I like this idea -- movie review as Q&A.

Vanity Fair does the work for "Going the Distance," starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.

Got to love the question about The Cure. It's the perfect question:

From VF:

"Q: Why do they start a relationship together if she’s leaving in six weeks?

"A: At first, they agree to keep things casual and to not start a relationship. But, then, over the next few weeks, they fall in love.

"Q: Do they fall in love during a montage sound-tracked by The Cure?

"A: Yes.

"Q: Once Erin moves back to San Francisco, does their relationship still work out?

"A: For awhile. Unfortunately, flights from New York to San Francisco are really expensive, so they don’t get to see each other very often. Garrett works for a record label—a job he hates—and can’t find work in San Francisco.

"Q: What are the odds that in a movie review of 'Going the Distance,' the line 'Going the Distance goes the distance!' will be used?

 

This is exciting.

Filming is set to begin in London for the adaption of John Le Carre's classic "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," and the director is a great one --  Tomas Alfredson who helmed the masterful "Let the Right One In".

Though Michael Fassbender had to drop out of the picture (he's instead working on "X-Men: First Class"), "Inception's" Tom Hardy will now play Ricky Tarr.

Here's more from Coming Soon:

"Gary Oldman is starring as George Smiley, the spy charged with unearthing a mole who has embedded himself in the highest echelons of the secret service.

 

Labor Day weekend is upon us and...what movies to watch?

The Labor Day holiday has historically, not been so kind to box office (which seems surprising since, well, what do people do on Labor Day? I guess they go on picnics and such...I wouldn't know...).

Anyway, according to Entertainment Weekly, "Labor Day weekend marks the official end of the summer movie season -- and usually, it goes out with a whimper. Only two movies that have opened over the Labor Day holiday (2007’s 'Halloween' remake, and 2005’s 'Transporter 2') have grossed over $20 million for the four-day weekend; most films are lucky to make half that."

EW continues, thinking that perhaps, Hurricane Earl affecting the East Coast, will hamper some major debuts  -- "Going the Distance," "Machete," and "The American."

Um...Lindsay Lohan is donning a nun's habit and licking a gun. Labor Day be dammed. I'm going.

With that, here's two of their box office prognostications after the jump:

 

Well, this is just fun to watch. And dig QT's cowboy hat. Here's Tarantino, Natalie Portman and Jessica Alba arriving the Venice Film Festival.

And here's Tarantino on the festival lineup, which he calls "cool" and "eclectic, via NPR.
 

Is Zac Efron trying to change his image?

Probably not a bad idea -- not that his "High School Musical" pedigree is something to be embarrassed about. But you know, he is 22-years-old and everyone watches "Glee" these days, so he better change things up.

So what's the best way to do it? Play a crook.

He has just signed on to star as a con man in the upcoming heist picture, "Art of the Steal."

 

PopSugar posted an early on-set image from "Pirate of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," which displays not just Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz but the great Ian McShane as Blackbeard. Well, he looks perfect. Even in a not-so-clear image.

Though, save for Depp, the movies can be a bit disappointing -- the cast of "Stranger Tides" boasts three of my favorite actors, truly, three of the best in the business (if you've not seen "Deadwood" rent all seasons to check out McShane). So...perhaps this one will be the best? Am I hoping for too much? Probably.